The saga of this boat started many months ago when its owner/Captain abandoned her when rescued by Coast Guard in middle of Gulf.

At the time the presumption was that the boat would sink and never be seen again. Fast forward many weeks and it is found on shore here. After much wrangling and consternation about what would happen to her a new owner was obtained.

Abandonned boats often stay afloat for a long time... remember the sailboat with two women and a dog rescued in the pacific after drifting for months? Well, it was sighted by one of the crew in the Volvo race a few days ago. They got some drone footage... still afloat.

That would depend on why it was going down. If it wasn't flooding due to a hole in the hull why would anyone expect to to sink?

I admit to never having been in such a storm but people abandon boats that remain afloat in rough conditions from time to time. The problem often is that help arrives and forces a decision, get off or we will leave you alone.

People in boats in those conditions describe it as being inside a washing machine.